At a Glance

In Mississippi, most nonprofits must register for charitable solicitation before legally fundraising in the state. The registration costs $50 and must be renewed annually by the 15th day of the fifth month following your fiscal year end. Organizations can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s portal.

Navigating state regulations can feel overwhelming, especially when your focus should be on your mission, not paperwork! Mississippi, like most states, requires nonprofits to register before soliciting donations from its residents. This applies whether you’re a local organization or an out-of-state charity reaching Mississippi donors through mailings, phone calls, or online campaigns.

Fortunately, the registration process doesn’t have to be complicated. Labyrinth, Inc. combines expert service with modern technology to handle your nonprofit’s registrations and renewals nationwide, so you can focus on your mission while we ensure you remain compliant in all jurisdictions. The Mississippi Secretary of State (601-576-2750, sos.ms.gov) oversees the charitable solicitation process, requiring specific documents and an annual filing fee.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your nonprofit license in Mississippi. We’ll cover who needs to register, exemptions, application requirements, and how to maintain compliance. If you’re managing registrations across multiple states, professional services like Labyrinth Inc. can simplify this process significantly.

Let’s get your organization registered and fundraising legally in Mississippi!

Who Needs to Register for Charitable Solicitation in Mississippi

Understanding who must register for charitable solicitation in Mississippi is crucial for achieving compliance with state law. The Mississippi Secretary of State’s Charities Division oversees this registration process, which applies to various types of organizations.

501(c)(3) organizations and public charities

Mississippi’s law requires registration by:

• Any organization determined by the IRS to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Any organization soliciting contributions from the public for charitable purposes

Moreover, Mississippi’s definition of “charitable organization” extends beyond just 501(c)(3) entities. The state includes organizations established for voluntary health and welfare, benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, educational, humane, scientific, public health, environmental conservation, civic purposes, or those benefiting law enforcement personnel and firefighters.

Out-of-state nonprofits soliciting in Mississippi

Out-of-state nonprofits generally must register if they solicit donations from Mississippi residents. Charitable solicitation registration is a separate process from business qualification with the state.

Mississippi applies its charitable solicitation laws to online fundraising as well. Factors such as whether you target Mississippi residents or receive contributions from Mississippi residents may subject you to registration. See the Secretary of State’s Charities resources and online filing system for guidance: Charities Online Filing.

Organizations may list two officers or directors (with addresses different from the charity’s address) in lieu of providing a registered agent on the charity registration. A registered agent is not required if two such officers/directors are listed. See instructions: Instructions.

When registration becomes mandatory

Registration is mandatory before any solicitation activity begins in Mississippi. You must complete this process prior to:

• Sending fundraising letters or emails to Mississippi residents
• Hosting events in Mississippi
• Conducting phone solicitations to Mississippi numbers
• Soliciting donations through your website from Mississippi residents

Filing deadlines are critical—organizations must renew their registration annually. This renewal is due on or before the 15th day of the fifth month following the close of your organization’s fiscal year. For instance, if your fiscal year ends December 31, your renewal would be due by May 15. See the online portal: Charities Online Filing.

The consequences of non-compliance can be significant. Any solicitations made without proper registration or exemption are unlawful under Mississippi law and may result in administrative action and penalties.

Registration is completed online and requires an application and a $50 filing fee (an online processing fee applies). See: Charities Online Filing.

Organizations That Are Exempt From Registration

Not all nonprofit organizations in Mississippi need to register for charitable solicitation. The state provides several important exemptions that can save eligible organizations time and money. Let’s examine which groups qualify for these exemptions and the process for claiming them.

Religious institutions and affiliated groups

Mississippi exempts bona fide religious institutions from charitable registration requirements. Religious institutions that meet the statutory definition, and integral parts of such institutions, are not required to register. Organizations unsure whether they qualify may request an opinion from the Charities Division.

Educational institutions and alumni associations

Educational institutions enjoy exemptions under Mississippi law. Organizations qualifying for this exemption include:

• Educational institutions recognized by the State Board of Education
• Schools accredited by regional accrediting associations
• Organizations affiliated with the National Commission on Accrediting
• Foundations with an established identity to the above educational institutions
• Libraries established under Mississippi state law

Alumni organizations of educational institutions are exempt when solicitations are made solely by their membership.

Small charities raising under $25,000

Small nonprofit organizations with limited fundraising activities can avoid registration requirements if they:

• Do not intend to solicit or receive and do not actually receive more than $25,000 in contributions during any 12-month period, and
• Conduct all fundraising functions through unpaid volunteers

Organizations receiving allocations from incorporated community chests or united funds may also be exempt if certain conditions are met (including remaining under the $25,000 threshold and using only unpaid volunteers).

If your organization later exceeds the exemption threshold, you should register before continuing solicitations.

Filing the Notice of Exemption form

Except for bona fide religious institutions, most exempt organizations must file a Notice of Exemption online before soliciting contributions in Mississippi. The Notice of Exemption is filed through the state’s online system and typically requires:

1. Completing the online Notice of Exemption form
2. Submitting required documentation (e.g., bylaws, list of officers/directors, formation documents as applicable)
3. Paying the fee (currently $50; an online processing fee applies)

After filing, the Division may request additional information. Exempt organizations must report any changes to information on file within 30 days. File or update online here: Charities Online Filing.

For organizations operating in multiple states, managing various charitable solicitation requirements can become complex. Professional services like Labyrinth can help navigate exemption and registration processes across different jurisdictions.

Step-by-Step Process to Register Your Charity

Registering your charity in Mississippi requires completing several sequential steps. Once you understand the requirements, the process becomes straightforward.

1. Form your nonprofit and get an EIN

Establish your nonprofit corporation through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Business Services Division. Then apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (Form SS-4). Your EIN serves as your nonprofit’s tax ID number and is necessary for banking, tax filings, and charitable solicitation registration.

2. Prepare bylaws and articles of incorporation

Prepare bylaws outlining your organization’s operating procedures. Your articles of incorporation should identify your charitable purpose. These documents are required attachments for charitable solicitation registration.

3. Create an account on the Secretary of State portal

Access Mississippi’s charitable organization registration system through the Secretary of State’s online portal: Charities Online Filing. This is where you will complete the initial registration and manage annual renewals.

4. Complete the registration form and upload documents

Once logged in, you’ll need to provide:

• Your organization’s name and purpose
• Names and addresses of principal officers (at least two officers must have addresses different from the charity’s address)
• Your fiscal year-end date

Upload required supporting documents including:

• Articles of incorporation
• Bylaws
• IRS determination letter (if applicable)
• Current list of officers and directors with contact information
• Copies of contracts with professional fundraisers (if applicable)

See detailed instructions: Instructions.

5. Pay the filing fee

The Mississippi charitable solicitation registration fee is $50. An online processing fee applies when submitting through the portal (currently $3.14). Payment can be made via credit card or e-check through the secure portal.

6. Receive your confirmation of registration

Upon approval, the Secretary of State will confirm your registration. Your registration must be renewed annually by the 15th day of the fifth month following your fiscal year end.

For organizations managing multi-state registrations, nonprofit license services can significantly simplify achieving compliance across jurisdictions.

How to Renew Your Charitable Registration Annually

Maintaining your nonprofit’s charitable solicitation registration in Mississippi requires annual renewal to stay compliant with state regulations. Once registered, your organization must continue meeting certain requirements to legally fundraise in the state.

When to file your renewal

The renewal deadline for Mississippi charitable solicitation registration is the 15th day of the fifth month following your organization’s fiscal year end (e.g., May 15 for a December 31 year end). Filing on time is important because solicitations without proper registration or exemption are unlawful.

File online: Charities Online Filing.

Required financial documents (Form 990, audits)

Your annual renewal requires several key documents:

• Current IRS Form 990 (or equivalent)
• Current officer/director list with contact information (at least two officers must have addresses different from the charity’s address)
• Fundraising professional contracts (if applicable)
• Financial statements based on donation levels:
  • Reviewed financial statements: Required for organizations receiving between $250,000–$750,000 in monetary donations
  • Audited financial statements: Required for organizations receiving over $750,000 in monetary donations

Effective July 1, 2023, the audit threshold increased from $500,000 to $750,000, and organizations receiving only non-monetary donations are not subject to the audited financial statement requirement. See the Secretary of State’s clarification: Clarification Senate Bill 2077.

Extension requests and late renewals

Need more time? Mississippi permits extensions consistent with your IRS extension. To request an extension:

1. File your extension request online before your registration expires
2. Include a copy of your approved IRS Form 8868
3. Organizations not required to file Form 990 should attach their IRS determination letter instead

Organizations filing Form 990-N (e-Postcard) are not eligible for extensions. If you renew after expiration, you will need to complete an Affidavit of Solicitation section on your renewal form describing any solicitations made while not registered. See instructions: Instructions.

Consequences of missing deadlines

Allowing your registration to lapse can have serious implications. The state may:

• Initiate administrative action and penalties under state law
• Prohibit fundraising activities until properly registered
• Require detailed accounting of any solicitations made during lapsed periods
• Revoke your registration, which can require reinstatement before you may resume soliciting

For organizations operating across multiple states, managing various charitable registration deadlines becomes increasingly complex. Professional registration services can help ensure timely filing across all jurisdictions where your nonprofit solicits funds.

Remember that maintaining proper registration isn’t just about legal requirements—it also builds donor trust and demonstrates your organization’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

Avoiding Common Mistakes and Using a Registration Service

Managing your own charitable solicitation registration can be a minefield for the unprepared.

Frequent errors in DIY filings

Many organizations encounter roadblocks through simple mistakes like misspelled board member names or incorrect addresses that can result in rejected applications. Financial reporting errors also occur frequently, especially when states request specific information about revenue generated within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, tracking multiple state deadlines becomes overwhelming, often leading to penalties.

Why maintaining compliance is an ongoing responsibility

Once registered, maintaining your nonprofit license requires vigilance. States periodically change their requirements, making ongoing compliance a continuous process. Even after initial registration, organizations must manage renewals, annual filings, and information updates across all states where they fundraise. This includes tracking changes to audit thresholds, filing deadlines, and documentation requirements that vary by jurisdiction.

How Labyrinth simplifies the process

With more than 35 years of experience as a commercial registered agent for nonprofits nationwide, Labyrinth combines deep regulatory knowledge with personalized service. Our team of Nonprofit Compliance Specialists handles every step of the registration process, from preparing initial filings to managing renewals, so your organization can fundraise confidently while we ensure complete adherence to regulations across all jurisdictions.

We offer unique nonprofit expertise in regulatory guidance, privacy shielding, and reliable document management. Our consolidation benefits mean one vendor, one invoice, one portal—resulting in fewer missed notices and faster responses to state requirements.

Benefits of using a professional service for multi-state filings

Professional charitable registration services offer comprehensive knowledge of state-specific regulations and updates. These services manage submissions across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously, saving time while minimizing error risks. Experts handle the complexity of varying filing processes, documentation requirements, and deadlines that make multi-state management particularly challenging. With dedicated renewal management and a secure client portal for tracking and documentation, nonprofits can focus on their mission knowing their requirements are handled by experienced specialists.

For organizations switching from other providers, our bulk-change program offers significant advantages. We often discount or waive our fees and sometimes cover state fees for volume switches. Plus, we extend first-year service up to 12 months so clients avoid double-paying overlapping contracts.

Conclusion

Registering for charitable solicitation stands as a critical legal requirement for nonprofits fundraising in Mississippi. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned that both in-state and out-of-state organizations must complete this process before soliciting donations from Mississippi residents—whether through mail, phone calls, events, or online campaigns.

Remember that while religious institutions and educational organizations generally qualify for exemptions, most exempt entities still need to file a Notice of Exemption form online before soliciting. Small charities raising under $25,000 annually also benefit from exemptions, though they must track their fundraising carefully to avoid crossing thresholds that trigger registration requirements.

The $50 registration fee and straightforward online application make achieving compliance accessible for most organizations. However, missing renewal deadlines or failing to maintain accurate records can result in administrative action and penalties. Your organization should prioritize timely renewals and accurate reporting to maintain legal fundraising status.

Many nonprofits struggle with charitable registration requirements across multiple states, each with unique deadlines and documentation needs. Professional services can eliminate this administrative burden, especially for organizations operating nationally. Expert charitable solicitation registration assistance ensures your nonprofit remains compliant while you focus on your mission rather than paperwork.

The registration process might seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes reaching compliance achievable. Your organization can successfully navigate Mississippi’s requirements by following this guide and considering professional nonprofit registration services when needed. After all, proper registration not only keeps you legally compliant but also builds donor trust and demonstrates your commitment to transparency—essential elements for your nonprofit’s continued success and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions